The Order of Zayed was granted by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is the UAE's highest civil honour to be presented to kings, presidents and leaders.

During the decoration ceremony at Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mohamed said: "Awarding Modi with the Order of Zayed mirrors our appreciation and pride for his pivotal role and efforts in the important qualitative shift witnessed in the friendly relations and cooperation between the UAE and India in various fields."

He expressed his pride in the strong friendship and cooperation between the UAE and India, wishing continued progress, prosperity, security and stability for the people of India.

Modi extended thanks and appreciation to President HH Sheikh Khalifa for awarding him with the Order of Zayed, which is named after an inspiring global humanitarian figure. He wished continued development and progress that meets the UAE’s future aspirations.

"I am humbled to be conferred the ‘Order of Zayed’ a short while ago. More than an individual, this award is for India’s cultural ethos and is dedicated to 130 crore Indians," Modi said after receiving the award. "I thank the UAE Government for this honour," he added.

The two leaders also witnessed the launch of a special commemorative stamp by the Emirates Post to mark the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The launch commemorates Gandhi, who is the symbol of independence, steadfastness, co-existance, and peace for the Indian people and peoples of the world.

At the unveiling of the stamp, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The national and humanitarian figures, such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Mahatma Gandhi, remain immortal in the memory of their peoples and the peoples of the world, as both figures represent shining models in world history as role models and for their work for the sake of peace, tolerance and coexistence among human beings."

The Indian Prime Minister extended his thanks and appreciations to the UAE for his warm welcome and lauded the issuance of the commemorative stamp to mark the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed and Modi discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and reviewed a variety of regional and global issues of common interest.

During an official session at Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the visit of the Indian Prime Minister, which comes within the framework of mutual interest in boosting bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields to realise their common vision and future aspirations.

The two sides also explored opportunities for expanding joint cooperation across economic, commercial, investment, cultural and energy fields, and for tapping into the business potentials available in the two countries.

Sheikh Mohamed and Modi also reviewed regional and international issues and exchanged views on them.

Tweeting on the meeting, Modi said: "Had an excellent meeting with His Highness Crown Prince @MohamedBinZayed. We spoke about multiple subjects, including ways to improve trade and people-to-people relations between India and UAE. His personal commitment to strong bilateral relations is very strong."